MMAConvert.com

A handful of fighters were given medical suspensions from their fights at UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar. The card took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recently.

Stephan Bonnar, who was downed by Anderson Silva in the main event via TKO, was given a 45-day suspension.

Fabio Maldonado and Glover Teixeira, who went to war for 10 minutes – most of which Teixeira dominated – were each given 180-day suspensions.

The suspensions, which were first reported by The Underground, can be cleared earlier than the amount of time given by a doctor in most cases.

UFC 153: SILVA VS. BONNAR MEDICAL SUSPENSIONS

Reza Madadi: 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Cristiano Marcello: 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Chris Camozzi: 180 days or negative x-ray of nasal bone. Minimum suspension of 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Luiz Cane: 180 days or clearance of left orbital and nasal bone. Minimum suspension of 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Sergio Moraes: 180 days or negative MRI of right knee and cleared by physician. Minimum suspension of 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Joey Gambino: 30 days no contest, 21 days no contact.

Diego Brandao: 30 days no contest, 21 days no contact.

Sam Sicilia: 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Erick Silva: 30 days no contest, 21 days no contact.

Fabio Maldonado: 180 days or neurological clearance. Minimum suspension of 60 days no contest, 45 days no contact.

Glover Teixeira: 180 days or negative x-ray of right hand and right elbow. Minimum suspension of 30 days no contest, 21 days no contact.

Dave Herman: 30 days no contest, 21 days no contact.

Stephan Bonnar: 45 days no contest, 30 days no contact.

Fabio Maldonado has never been knocked out in his career.

He’ll look to keep that trend going – and earn his first UFC victory since 2010 – when he takes on Glover Teixeira Saturday night at UFC 153.

Teixeira enters as the odds-on favorite, as Maldonado accepted the bout on short notice following a pair of decision losses. Teixeira is viewed as a potential challenger to the UFC 205-pound title, but Maldonado wants to spoil that.

He said he will knock me out? He’s never encountered a strong chin like mine. I know for a fact my boxing is better than Glover’s. I know he’s never seen anyone with my boxing skills. I know he is a great fighter with hype and a lot of people don’t want to face him – but I do.

Maldonado (18-5) owns 12 knockout victories to his own credit, and added, “I know how to hurt people. My strategy is to exchange punches and see who is the toughest. I will defeat him.”

The Brazilian crowd turned out in huge numbers Friday for the weigh-ins for UFC 153.

In the main event, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will face Stephan Bonnar at light heavyweight.

Several other Brazilians will also compete on the card, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Glover Teixeira and Erick Silva.

UFC 153 WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Main Card (PPV)

Anderson Silva (202 lbs.) vs. Stephan Bonnar (205 lbs.)

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (243 lbs.) vs. Dave Herman (244 lbs.)

Glover Teixeira (204 lbs.) vs. Fabio Maldonado (203 lbs.)

Erick Silva (169 lbs.) vs. Jon Fitch (170 lbs.)

Phil Davis (206 lbs.) vs. Wagner Prado (204 lbs.)

Demian Maia (170 lbs.) vs. Rick Story (170 lbs.)

Preliminary Card (FX)

Rony Jason (145 lbs.) vs. Sam Sicilia (146 lbs.)

Francisco Trinaldo (154 lbs.) vs. Gleison Tibau (155 lbs.)

Diego Brandao (144 lbs.) vs. Joey Gambino (146 lbs.)

Sergio Moraes (169 lbs.) vs. Renee Forte (169 lbs.)

Preliminary Card (Facebook)

Luiz Cane (184 lbs.) vs. Chris Camozzi (185 lbs.)

Cristiano Marcello (155 lbs.) vs. Reza Madadi (155 lbs.)

Glover Teixeira waited and waited and waited to finally become a UFC fighter.

After making a splash by finishing veteran Kyle Kingsbury, Teixeira will be seeking a second consecutive highlight-reel win when he takes on Fabio Maldonado Saturday night at UFC 153.

I’ve wanted to be in the UFC for so long, and now that I am here, it is (like) living a dream. I learned from Chuck Liddell that it is important to be an exciting fighter, to go for the finish; that it is important for you to go out and excite the crowd.

Teixeira (18-2) did that against Kingsbury, knocking him down with effective striking before locking in a submission. Of his 18 career victories, 11 have come via knockout and five have been submission wins.

The brash Brazilian has made claims in recent weeks that he would accept a fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Several other fighters have turned down bouts vs. Jones, but that isn’t Teixeira’s upbringing.

I will fight anyone in the UFC. I waited so long to get here – I will fight anyone. Maldonado is a good fighter and will bring the fight to me, but I will knock him out; knockout of the night, maybe.

The UFC didn’t take long to piece together UFC 153, as UFC president Dana White confirmed with USA Today on Wednesday that the main and co-min event are once again intact.

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will return to the 205-pound division to take on Stephan Bonnar, while Glover Teixeira meets Fabio Maldonado in the co-main event.

UFC 153 goes down October 13 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On Tuesday, both UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson informed the UFC they would not be able to compete on the card. Frankie Edgar, Aldo’s scheduled opponent, will be re-booked for later this year.

Silva (32-4) offered to step up and compete at UFC 151 after that main event fell through, and White said he was willing to do the same for the UFC again.

We’re back on track. Anderson Silva wasn’t scheduled to fight at all. I called him today, and he’s hooting a commercial in Brazil. Anderson Silva steps up, and Stephan Bonnar wants to fight him. The Teixeira-Maldonado fight comes together, and then (Antonio Rodrigo) Nogueira was standing right there with Anderson shooting the commercial with him, and he said he wanted to fight, too.

Nogueira will meet Dave Herman in another main card affair. The event has also lost a scheduled match between Vitor Belfort and Alan Belcher.

This is old-school UFC. A card is in jeopardy, but guys that are world champions and superstars stepped up and jumped in and saved the card. This is why the fans love this sport and why we went on a 12-year run without canceling an event.

UFC on FUEL TV 3 takes place later tonight at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia. The event airs live on FUEL TV and Rogers Sportsnet at 8pm ET/7pm CT. The prelims will precede the main card broadcast at 5:30pm ET on the UFC’s Facebook page.

In the main event, Dustin Poirier takes on “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung in a featherweight bout that could determine an upcoming title challenger.

‘Ultimate Fighter’ winner Amir Sadollah takes on Wanderlei Silva protege Jorge Lopez.

Lightweight scrappers Donald Cerrone and Jeremy Stephens go toe to toe.

Yves Jabouin and Jeff Hougland look to make a splash in the crowded 135 pound division.

Fabio Maldonado and Igor Pokrajac battle in an intriguing bout.

And lastly, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor takes on Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald.

Results and recap after the jump.

Continue reading this post

I hope you all had an awesome breakfast, if not, let my words be the bacon and eggs that start your day. We’re just a few hours away from one badass fight card, as a bunch of guys you’ve heard of are going to punch each other in the face on FUEL TV. I’m not the talkative time, so let’s get right down to business here. Oh, and you can watch the violence tonight at 8pm ET on FUEL TV in the U.S., or Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.

-Tom Lawlor vs. Jason MacDonald

I hate MMA shirts. Aside from the odd clever one, and pretty much all of MiddleEasy’s tees, I have stayed as far away as possible from MMA clothing. That said, the first MMA shirt I ever bought was a “Lawlormania” shirt, so it kind of goes without saying that I’m a fan of “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. While he may not be even close to being considered near the top of the division, Lawlor is a solid dude, with solid chops, and excellent wrestling. His opponent, my fellow Canadian, Jason MacDonald is in the twilight of his career. The submission specialist has made no secret of his desire to end his career at UFC 149, and a win here would certainly aid him in his quest to end it all in Calgary. Jason MacDonald has more tools to win this fight, easily. His submissions skills can give anyone problems, and Tom hasn’t exactly faired well when his neck is trapped. That said, I think Tom uses his wresting to grind out a gritty decision over “The Athlete”.

-Fabio Maldonado vs. Igor Pokrajac

Oh Fabio, y u no live up to potential? Maldonado is really a fantastic fighter, but he just seems to give fights away at times, and, that can be frustrating. He has some great striking, and man can that dude work the body in a violent way. Igor Pokrajac is a solid fighter himself. I didn’t give him much of a chance against K-Sos, and he made me look silly. If Maldonado doesn’t gas, and he probably will, he should be able to win, if he does, well, then it’s questionable, but, I think he’ll be fine.

-Jeff Hougland vs. Yves Jabouin

Things in the 135 pound division are getting interesting. With Dominick Cruz out of action, likely for the rest of 2012, and an interim champion soon to be crowned, Yves Jabouin undoubtedly is eyeing a shot at the title in the future. With his third straight win, he could make a case for a top 10 opponent. The veteran has the experience and skills to take this fight. His opponent, Jeff Hougland, isn’t a world beater by any means, but let’s not be silly, Hougland is a legit threat. With nine straight wins, he’s another fighter who is looking to make a case for a shot at the belt. For one man, the hopes of making a splash in the division is going to end, and I believe when it comes to sinking or swimming, Yves Jabouin will be leaving Jeff Hougland out at sea to drown.

-Jeremy Stephens vs. Donald Cerrone

Goddamn this fight is amazing. Following his piss-poor performance against Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone is out for blood and ready to build a win streak and make his case for a shot at the lightweight belt. I don’t really need to explain “Cowboy” to anyone, he just likes fighting. His opponent, Stephens, has been a ZUFFA employee for a long, long time. The hard-headed and hard-handed Stephens certainly enjoys kicking some ass himself, and fans will certainly be treated to one hell of a brawl. In the end though, it will be Cerrone who beats Stephens to the punch again and again, and Jeremy Stephens’ face will be turned to mash.

-Amir Sadollah vs. Jorge Lopez

Baboo Baby. Amir Sadollah is back after a disappointing showing or two, the TUF winner has done fairly well for himself in arguably the toughest division in the sport, and where he has fallen short, he’s been able to improve. Jorge Lopez is Wanderlei’s protege, which says something, I guess, but he hasn’t really impressed me in any way. I don’t like to take away from any fighter, so I won’t, Amir is going to win a decision.

-Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier

When this fight was announced, I laughed at the one-sidedness of it. After a couple of months of consideration, I’m still laughing. Dustin Poirier is a future title challenger, a hot prospect, and arguably one of the best 145 pound fighters in the UFC. “The Korean Zombie” is a fan favorite, but let’s not get crazy here, he’s not by any means, a “great” fighter. He knocked out Hominick, which shocked many, yes, but lucky punches happen, and Hominick is fairly easy to knock down, apparently (maybe a Jose Aldo sized ass-kicking does that to a man). Let’s not forget that that Jung was slept by George Roop. I think “Diamond” does the same to him, whether it be with his fists, or with a submission, it’s not going to be pretty.

Anyway, my job is done, and now it’s your turn. Consider this your official offer letter. Your duties include telling me how you feel about my picks, and what your picks are for tonight’s event, you can start.. now.

Enjoy the fights.

The NSAC has released the fighter payouts for the TUF 13 Finale. Keep in mind, these figures represent the base contracted pay the fighter receives from the promotion. These figures do not include any additional undisclosed bonuses or sponsorship money, which in many cases exceeds a fighter’s base pay. These numbers also do not account for taxes, insurance, and license fees.

Not only did Clay Guida knock Anthony Pettis off his top contender perch, he also took home the largest paycheck last Saturday night with a  $74,000 payday. The only other fighters on the card to break the $50,000 mark were Tony Ferguson, Reuban Duran, Kyle Kingsbury and Fabio Maldonado with their $40,000 bonuses. Also worth noting that the TUF 13 fighters made better money than several of the fighters on the card including Danny Downes, Ken Stone and Francisco Rivera.

Payouts

Courtesy of MMA Junkie:

• Tony Ferguson: $16,000 ($8k + $8k win bonus)
  Ramsey Nijem: $8,000
• Clay Guida: $74,000 ($37k + $37k)
  Anthony Pettis: $10,000
• Ed Herman: $48,000 ($24k + $24k)
  Tim Credeur: $10,000
• Kyle Kingsbury: $20,000 ($10k + $10k)
  Fabio Maldonado: $10,000
• Chris Cope: $16,000 ($8k + $8k)
  Chuck O’Neil: $8,000
• Jeremy Stephens: $40,000 ($20k + $20k)
  Danny Downes: $4,000
• George Roop: $12,000 ($6k + $6k)
  Josh Grispi: $15,000
• Shamar Bailey: $16,000 ($8k + $8k)
  Ryan McGillivray: $8,000
• Clay Harvison: $16,000 ($8k + $8k)
  Justin Edwards: $8,000
• Scott Jorgensen: $29,000 ($14.5k + $14.5k)
  Ken Stone: $5,000
• Reuben Duran: $12,000 ($6k + $6k)
  Francisco Rivera: $4,000

Bonuses

$40,000 bonus to each fighter.

• Knockout of the Night – Tony Ferguson
• Submission of the Night – Reuban Duran
• Fight of the Night – Kyle Kingsbury & Fabio Maldonado

Total Payout

A disclosed total of $549,000, including all bonuses, was paid out to the fighters.

A few observations from the Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale:

-In the context of a season of TUF, where the competitors are handpicked by SpikeTV executives based on their ability to guzzle booze and act stupid, Chris Cope and Chuck O’Neil are a tough pair of welterweights.  In the context of the UFC’s dense 170-pound division, though, oh are they dead men.

-No way did Kyle Kingsbury deserve that decision.  But alas, that’s what happens you face a Brazilian who elevates “Been There, Done That” into an art form.  Fabio Maldonado looked about as intense as a dude at the grocery store shopping for Doritos.

-I would say Ed Herman is back as much as I’d say Tim Credeur is so far not back that he’s “front”.  Seriously, is anyone alarmed that a guy who took time off for brain irregularities got knocked out so easily?  I’m alarmed.

-Scott Jorgenson is still a strong contender in the bantamweight division.  He may never be able to beat champ Dominic Cruz, but as Ken Stone learned, Jorgenson’s still very capable of smoking fools with a quickness.

-Josh Grispi’s nickname is “The Fluke”.  I daresay it’s because the quick and impressive wins that propelled him up the featherweight rankings were flukes, ‘cause homeboy has come off as insanely one-dimensional his last two times at bat.

-Not only did Anthony Pettis’ guaranteed UFC lightweight title shot get flushed down the toilet by his grinding loss to Clay Guida, but now Guida gets to call himself the WEC lightweight champ. 

-Of all the fruit borne of the TUF tree in recent years, Tony Ferguson alone stands out as a TUF winner with true potential.  Good wrestling, fantastic boxing and knockout power?  Puh-lease.  If Ferguson is fed the same cans TUF winners usually get fresh out of the gate, he’s going to end up killing people.

The TUF 13 Finale took place earlier this evening at the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event aired live on Spike TV at 9pm ET/6pm PT. The broadcast was preceded by a prelim special on Facebook starting at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT. All six preliminary fights were shown.

In the main event, Anthony Pettis looked to keep his title shot hopes alive against Clay Guida.

In the co-main event, Tony Ferguson and Ramsey Nijem went to battle for the TUF 13 crown.

Tim Credeur and Ed Herman returned to action in a middleweight bout.

Kyle Kingsbury took on Fabio Maldonado in a light heavyweight match-up.

TUF 13 cast members Chris Cope and Chuck O’Neil met in a welterweight match-up.

Results, recap and bonuses after the jump.

Continue reading this post